Use Of English 2012 Jamb Examination
Use Of English 2012 Jamb Examination
Question 21
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
I wouldn't have responded to his rude talk, if I were you.
I wouldn't have responded to his rude talk, if I were you.
The conditional statement 'I wouldn't have responded to his rude talk, if I were you' expresses disapproval of an action that has already taken place. It means the person being advised did respond, but it was not the best course of action. The speaker is saying that, in their place, they would not have done so. Hence, the respondent replied to the speaker's talk, although he ought not have done so.
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Question 22
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
He could not speak out because he had a feet of clay.
He could not speak out because he had a feet of clay.
The expression 'feet of clay' refers to a weakness or flaw, especially in someone who is otherwise admired or strong. Saying 'he had a feet of clay' means he was weak or lacked courage, which prevented him from speaking out. Therefore, the correct meaning is that he was weak and cowardly.
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Question 23
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
The player wasted a golden opportunity during the penalty shoot-out.
The player wasted a golden opportunity during the penalty shoot-out.
The phrase 'a golden opportunity' means a rare or valuable chance to succeed. 'Wasted' here implies that the player failed to take advantage of this chance. During a penalty shoot-out, this would mean the player missed the shot. Hence, the player did not score the shot.
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Question 24
Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.
As far as Abu is concerned, Mero should be given fifty naira at the most.
As far as Abu is concerned, Mero should be given fifty naira at the most.
The phrase 'at the most' means 'not more than' or 'a maximum of'. The sentence therefore means Abu believes that the highest amount Mero should receive is fifty naira, not more. Hence, in Abu’s estimation, Mero merits not more than fifty naira.
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Question 25
Select the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.
As an idiot, the boy is weak in class.
As an idiot, the boy is weak in class.
The word 'idiot' refers to someone who is foolish or lacks intelligence. The opposite of that would be someone who is highly intelligent or talented. Therefore, the antonym of 'idiot' is 'a genius'.
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Question 26
Select the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.
We were shocked by the news that he had lost the money.
We were shocked by the news that he had lost the money.
The word 'shocked' means to be greatly surprised or upset by an unexpected event. Its opposite would therefore mean being indifferent or not affected by the situation. 'Unconcerned' means not worried, indifferent, or showing no interest, which directly contrasts with being shocked. Hence, 'unconcerned' is the opposite of 'shocked'.
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Question 27
Select the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.
The principal was advised to be flexible on critical issues.
The principal was advised to be flexible on critical issues.
The word 'flexible' means being adaptable or willing to change one’s approach or opinion when necessary. The opposite of flexibility is rigidity — being firm, unyielding, or inflexible. Therefore, 'rigid' is the antonym of 'flexible' as it conveys the idea of being strict or unable to bend in decision-making.
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Question 28
Select the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.
Bola always looks sober.
Bola always looks sober.
The word 'sober' means calm, serious, or not showing extreme emotions. The opposite of 'sober' would be 'excited', which describes someone full of energy, enthusiasm, or emotional intensity. Thus, 'excited' contrasts directly with 'sober' in both mood and behaviour.
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Question 29
Select the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.
Dupe was promoted for her efficiency.
Dupe was promoted for her efficiency.
The term 'efficiency' refers to the ability to perform tasks effectively and with minimal waste of time or effort. The opposite would describe a lack of skill, ability, or productivity. 'Incompetence' means inability to do something successfully, which is the direct opposite of 'efficiency'.
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Question 30
Select the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.
The management wants to consider her reticent behaviour in due course.
The management wants to consider her reticent behaviour in due course.
The word 'reticent' means being reserved, quiet, or unwilling to speak freely. The opposite would describe someone who talks freely or excessively. 'Loquacious' means talkative or fond of talking, making it the direct opposite of 'reticent'.
